For all latest news, follow the Daily Sun's Google News channel.
PM sets two-year deadline to dismantle investment barriers
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 05 Apr 2026, 12:00 AM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, during a meeting with leading business figures at the his office on Saturday, outlined a comprehensive reform strategy aimed at dismantling longstanding barriers to investment and improving the ease of doing business, signalling a policy shift towards a more facilitative economic environment.
Deliberations focused on reviving the private sector, enhancing the investment climate, and resolving industrial challenges, including the energy crisis and supply chain disruptions.
Through this initiative, business representatives were able to present structured feedback at the highest level of government regarding the current business climate and reform priorities.
During the session, the government formally activated the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to steer these reforms over the next two years.
Chaired by the prime minister, the council is intended to serve as a platform for aligning policy priorities with industry needs and tracking progress on a time-bound reform roadmap focused on competitiveness. The council is expected to meet quarterly to review developments.
The meeting marked Tarique Rahman’s first formal engagement with business leaders since assuming office six weeks ago.
Speaking to the Daily Sun, a member of the PSAC said they had been directed not to speak with the media at this stage, but confirmed that discussions covered various issues required to revive the country’s private sector and boost the economy.
Entrepreneurs appreciated the government’s initiative to establish the forum and its commitment to fostering an open environment through close engagement. They will now prepare a concise proposal based on private sector input, featuring a targeted plan to address immediate challenges.
The council members, selected by the prime minister, are Dr Arif Dowla (ACI PLC), Syed Nasim Manzur (Apex Footwear Ltd), Hafizur Rahman Khan (Runner Group), Ahsan Khan Chowdhury (PRAN-RFL Group), Ziaur Rahman (Bay Group), Abdul Muktadir (Incepta Group), Md Abdul Jabbar (DBL Group), Sohana Rouf Chowdhury (Rangs Group), and Syed Mohammad Tanvir (Pacific Jeans Group).
The meeting was also joined by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, State Minister for Energy Anindya Islam Amit, PM’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, and BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.
During his opening remarks, the prime minister advised the council to incorporate evidence-based legal and regulatory benchmarks from other countries to ensure Bangladesh remains globally competitive.
BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said, “The formation of the Private Sector Advisory Council is one of the key reforms proposed by BIDA to create a structured mechanism for sustained private sector input at the highest level. We are grateful to the Honourable Prime Minister for taking ownership of this matter.”
Following the meeting, Finance Minister Amir Khosru told reporters that a wide range of issues related to trade and investment were discussed. “Problems and challenges facing the business sector were discussed, and ways to address them were explored,” he said, adding that while some issues have been resolved, others remain pending and will be settled through further discussions.
The minister noted that the meeting aimed to create a more investment-friendly environment. “The prime minister listened to the business leaders to understand where the barriers to investment lie. He wants to resolve these issues quickly,” he said, noting that some concerns were addressed on the spot.